In any season of Survivor capitalizing on the moment to strike is of paramount importance, and this has been especially relevant on Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs. Favorites 2 Legit 2 Quit. Ages from now, when Survivor is long gone and young scholars pore over old texts written about a forgotten television program hosted by former President of Earth Jeff Probst, they will read the story of Caramoan, and it will be the story of Stealth ‘R’ Us, and of those who tried to fight back against the ruling alliance. For that has been the theme of the season, not so much if, but when, a group of insurgents will break apart the dominating force. As a result of poor timing, Corinne failed in her attempt at a coup, and, likewise, Malcolm overplayed his hand and tried to strike too quickly. He was successful in deposing Former Federal Agent Fillip, but, perhaps, FFAF wasn’t the head of the snake after all. He was the outspoken face of Stealth ‘R’ Us, but, in the end, he might have just been a figurehead, the Mandarin, a red herring dangled out as bait. And with Fillip gone, and the corporation starting to fray, it’s only a matter of time before someone makes a move. Could be someone outside the controlling alliance, or could be someone from within. It doesn’t really matter who it is. What matters is when.

But even though there’s a storm coming, and they’re now down to just two amigos, Reynold and Eddie are in good spirits. They won’t let the loss of Malcolm stop them from a good high five fist bump.

Boy, the game is really taking its toll on these guys. Bro, show them how it’s done.

Tree Mail comes and everyone seems really surprised that the game is still going on. Apparently a rumor was started that it’s just an Elite Eight this year and they all had started planning their speeches to the three members of the jury, totally positive that the game would feature no other twists or turns, certainly not another Immunity Challenge. But the rumblings proved unfounded, and, indeed, there’s an Immunity Challenge that afternoon. They also seem really concerned about losing their flame, which is weird because most of them voted for Michael. Now they finally understand what Corinne was talking about.

The challenge is a classic exercise in balance, the kind of thing girls always do better in because of their smaller feet (and, admittedly, their typically superior balance). Probst, being the mischievous little devil that he is, tempts the competitors to bow out of the game by offering delicious treats, like “fresh” donuts imported from Springfield (USA). Eddie and Erik, apparently having given up on the game, or suffering from low blood sugar, immediately take the bait. But be careful what you wish for boys…

Brenda, who was already one of the favorites in the challenge, remains steadfast, holding out for something better, like pig brains. Cochran, however, voluntarily steps out of the challenge for three big hot dogs (insert wiener joke here). But it’s okay, he reasons, because they just need one person (or persons) to beat Reynold, and Cochran certainly wasn’t that guy. Anything upper body-based, yeah, Cochran has it. But he’s spent too much time working on those glamour muscles and he just doesn’t have what it takes to win this challenge. So why not leave it to the ladies?

And Reynold would have achieved the upset, if it weren’t for all those cicadas he constantly had to swat away. Totally not fair. Like an October game at Jacob’s Field.

Eventually, and unfortunately, the bugs get the best of Reynold and he penguin dives into the water. It’s down to Brenda and Andrea, and they go for a stupid long time. Seriously, just showing off.

Like typical girls they can’t agree to just share the Idol – so possessive – but they do agree to lift one leg, just to get things moving. Immediately after that decision, Brenda goes overboard (or, perhaps, Jeff offered her some pig brains off-camera), and Andrea takes the win and the clue to Immunity Idol that Malcolm was crucially unable to locate. Brenda probably would have won if she didn’t spend all that time practicing the bone organ. Although, One-Eyed Willie’s treasure is probably worth more than a million.

But it’s okay, because Andrea shares the clue with everyone! She’s like Scrooge after being visited by all three ghosts. And her loyal pooch Erik to digs up the Idol and brings it right back to her, clearly eager to show off what he found.

I found this for you, Andrea. Can I have another donut now?

Unfortunately, with that Idol now in Andrea’s hands, things are looking bleak for Reynold. His only hope is if Andrea decides to take this opportunity – and the power of two immunities – to blind side someone from her own alliance, a preemptive strike.

Speaking of hopes, Fillip seems to be angling for a spot in the new Spike Lee joint that he shot 25 years ago. Or he’s trying out a different look: Brother Mouzone on summer vacation. Whatever the explanation, it’s Caramoan’s hottest new fashion.

Malcolm, for his part, has rebounded well from his exile and seems to likewise be auditioning for a new role, the lead in the upcoming Renegade reboot:

The conversation soon turns to Eddie’s decision to bow out of the Immunity Challenge in favor of a couple donuts. Probst wonders what other snacks would have lured Eddie out of the challenge, and Eddie offers an interesting response.

Unfortunately, with no more hidden Idols to play, and no bigger bros to fry, the Favorites stick together and finally oust Reynold, after 25 votes. We guess they decided they couldn’t even have one Reynold after all.

ALWAYS REMEMBER, REYNOLD, LOOSE GETTING PEGGED AS BEING PART OF THE COOL KIDS ALLIANCE AND STUCK ON AN INFERIOR TRIBE AND BEING A HUGE TARGET AND PHYSICAL THREAT FROM DAY ONE SINKS SHIPS.

Goodbye, Reynold, sweet Prince of the Bros.

But what’s that? The show is only half over? There will be another Tribal Council in this episode? Would have preferred a full 44 minutes of Reynold still competing in the game, but sure, we’ll bite. With the finale only one episode away, we understand that they have to start speeding things up.

With the physical threat (and crotch bulges) of Reynold no longer hanging over the Edamame Tribe, this would be the time to pick off someone from with in the Favorites’ alliance. Eddie, Sherri – the two remaining Fans – aren’t of grave concern at this point. They haven’t proven to be particularly adept at challenges, or at strategy, so there’s no rush to dispose of them. In fact, they might be well served as sheep to bring to the slaughter final three. Andrea thought about moving against Brenda at the last Tribal Council, but decided it against it, keep the numbers strong for now. So is now the time? Or did she miss her moment? We’ll just let Cochran, this Sun Tzu of Survivor: Caramoan, explain:

With an Idol in her pocket and faith in her consiglieres, Andrea is starting to Don Corleone it, looking for ways to consolidate her power and extinguish any threats to the family. But Cochran, to his utmost credit, it catching on. If Andrea is starting to think about slitting Brenda’s throat (FIGURATIVELY!), how long until she turns her blade towards Cochran’s neck. And with Andrea’s possession of that Idol, they may not get another chance to take her out.

Quickly, it’s another Immunity Challenge, a ropes course and a ladder puzzle(and no reward or idol clue OR tossing element this time). With Reynold gone, any physical challenge is basically Erik’s to lose, with Brenda not far behind. Sherri – of course – falls right back into her usual challenge groove.

As we predicted, Erik earns the victory, surprisingly not being undone by the ladder puzzle (the climb is all there is). Even more surprising, he doesn’t immediately hand the Immunity Necklace to Andrea in exchange for a pat on the head and a scratch behind the ear.

Speaking of Erik, which semi-famous dead Texan do you think he most resembles, David Koresh or Kerry Von Erich?

With Tribal Council fast approaching, it seems as if Cochran and Dawn are ready to make their move on Andrea before she makes her move on them. But Erik and Sherri – still deluded into thinking they hold the power – remain the wild cards, as does Andrea’s Idol.

Incredible work all around on the jury this week, and good for them for already looking past the game towards the next stage in their career. Those guys are making it seem like Ponderosa is the place to be.

And they’ll soon be joined by Andrea, who becomes the latest player to go home with an Idol in her pocket. She took a calculated risk, choosing to trust her alliance even though she knows she herself can’t be trusted, and hoped to save her Idol for potential use later in the game. And now it’s just an awesome Survivor souvenir. By demonstrating her desire to remove her competition Andrea proved just how dangerous she is and removed herself. Having Eddie under her spell just wasn’t enough.

ALWAYS, REMEMBER, ANDREA, LOOSE DONKEYLIPS SINK SHIPS.

And after that double elimination we arrive at our A-B-C of the week:

Always Be Charming

Reynold was dubbed a used car salesman for a reason, the guy’s got charm. Whether or not he could be trusted was debatable, but it was hard to say no those twinkling blue eyes (and, now, that thin line of hair above his lip). If not for that balance challenge, in which he still fought valiantly, Reynold could have clawed his way to the end. But something tells us he’ll get another shot one day. There’s still a chance for a “Reynolds Only Club.”

Only two episodes left. Cochran made his big move, timed it well. But did he now put the bullseye squarely on his broad, tanned, muscular shoulders?